HC Deb 12 March 1917 vol 91 cc716-7
65. Mr. LUNDON

asked the Home Secretary why nobody representing Irish agricultural interests was asked to give evidence before the Committee which dealt with the renewal of the Summer Time Act; is he aware that the five witnesses which were summoned from Ireland are all representative of city interests; and whether, seeing that the question of food production is the vital one of the hour, he will see that the carrying through of the food scheme will not be made impossible by the penalising of those engaged in it and on no account have the Summer Time Act extended to Ireland until at least the War has come to an end?

Sir G. CAVE

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. I am informed that Mr. Robertson, one of the witnesses from Ireland, was specially selected as having a wide knowledge of agricultural conditions in Ireland, and did in fact bring fully before the Committee the view of those residents in the country districts who are opposed to the renewal of Summer Time. The fullest opportunity was also given to the representatives of the agricultural districts to communicate their views to the Committee and advantage was taken of that opportunity. On the last part of the question I am in consultation with the Chief Secretary for Ireland.

Mr. DILLON

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the fact that in the West of Ireland, owing to the Act imposing Greenwich time upon Ireland, the Summer Time Act this year would put the clock an hour and forty minutes ahead of the sun, and in view of that fact would it not be desirable at least to repeal the Act imposing Green which time upon Ireland?

Mr. DUKE

My attention has been called forcibly to that argument by the hon. Gentleman and forty-two other Irish Members last week, and I said that it would be considered by my right hon. Friend and myself.

Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that most of the rural district councils in Ireland are against the Act and the county councils as well and have expressed their views on the matter?

Mr. DUKE

I think it is true that a majority of the rural district councils are opposed to a renewal of the Act and a majority of the urban district councils are in favour of it.

Mr. DEVLIN

May I ask whether the Act will apply to that part of Ireland that wants it and will not be forced upon that part of Ireland that does not want it?